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Volkswagen is planning to release its own version of an electric scooter that would ultimately compete with the Segway. Volkswagen’s CEO, Martin Winterkorn, revealed the bold next step for the automaker in a recent interview with the German publication, Bild. For more on the Volkswagen electric scooter, continue reading.

The VW electric scooter actually shares some design elements with the limited-production diesel-powered plug-in hybrid, XL1. The new scooter will weigh about 24 pounds and has an electric range of 12 miles. The scooter folds up for easy stowaway in your trunk or handling if you plan to carry it. It’s also pretty stylish, coming in a white, grey, and yellow eye-catching design.

It hasn’t been confirmed if the new Volkswagen electric scooter will make its way to the US or not, but we certainly hope it does! For pictures and more information about the new scooter from VW, click here.

Volkswagen recently announced the official wrap up of its Renewable Diesel Evaluation Program in which the brand collaborated with Solazyme Inc and Amryis Inc. The Volkswagen renewable fuel assessment started in 2012 and measured the environmental impacts of the pre-commercial renewable diesel formula with TDI Clean Diesel technology in 2012 Passat and Jetta TDI models.

Also during that time, Solazyme tested its Soladiesel RD fuel and Amryis tested a plant-sugar derived renewable diesel formula in the same 2012 Passat and Jetta TDI models. Both Solazyme and Amryis used additives to meet certain specifications.

After two years of research and 134,000 miles logged, it was found that each vehicle in the assessment performed very similarly to existing TDI powertrains. Engineers noted that driving dynamics were not affected negatively and fuel economy was either very similar or improved. The study also found that greenhouse gas emissions on a well-to-wheel basis could actually be reduced by more than 50% when using the renewable fuels compared to today’s crude-based fuels.

Ewald Goessmann, Executive Director of Volkswagen Group of America, said, “The successful completion of this collaboration with two leaders in renewable fuels and products highlights how far advanced fuel technology has come in recent years, proving that sustainable fuels are not only produced in more environmentally friendly ways, but can offer similar performance and lower emissions.”

For more information about the Volkswagen renewable fuel assessment, click here or visit us at Gossett Volkswagen.